Hulk Hogan’s official cause of death has been confirmed.
According to the Pinellas County Forensic Science Center, the wrestling icon passed away from acute myocardial infarction, more commonly known as a heart attack, which occurs when blood flow to the heart is suddenly blocked, leading to tissue damage.
Hulk Hogan Passed Away On July 24
Medical documents obtained by Page Six further revealed that Hogan had a history of atrial fibrillation (AFib), a condition marked by an irregular and often rapid heart rate. He was also battling chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), a cancer that affects white blood cells known as lymphocytes.
It was first reported on July 24 that Hulk Hogan died at age 71 after medics responded to a 911 call for cardiac arrest and transported Hogan to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Authorities confirmed there were no signs of foul play.
Clearwater Police Department released a statement at the time:
"Clearwater Fire Department and Clearwater Police Department personnel responded to a medical call at 9:51 a.m. today in the 1000 block of Eldorado Avenue on Clearwater Beach. The nature of the call was for a cardiac arrest. A 71-year-old resident, Terry Bollea, also known as Hulk Hogan, was treated by Clearwater Fire & Rescue crews before being taken by Sunstar to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased."
A statement was also released on Hogan's Instagram page on July 24:
"It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that we confirm we have lost a legend. Our beloved Terry Bollea, known worldwide as Hulk Hogan, passed away today surrounded by his loved ones. At this time of grief, we ask that everyone please respect the privacy of his family and friends. May we all take solace in the wonderful memories he left behind for the millions of fans worldwide whose lives he touched for more than four decades. He will be missed, but never forgotten."
Ric Flair Remembers Hulk Hogan As A 'One-Of-A-Kind' Friend In Emotional Tribute
As tributes poured in following Hulk Hogan’s sudden passing, wrestling legend Ric Flair shared a heartfelt message honoring his decades-long friendship with the WWE icon.
“I am absolutely shocked to hear about the passing of my close friend @HulkHogan,” Flair wrote in an emotional post on July 24 “Hulk has been by my side since we started in the wrestling business.”
Flair went on to reflect on their deep bond, recalling Hogan’s unwavering loyalty during some of the darkest moments of his life. “He was always there for me even when I didn’t ask for him to be,” Flair revealed. “He was one of the first to visit me when I was in the hospital with a 2% chance of living, and he prayed by my bedside.”
The wrestling icon also revealed that Hogan privately supported him during personal hardship. “Hulk also lent me money when Reid was sick,” he shared, referring to his late son who passed away in 2013. “Hulkster, no one will ever compare to you. Rest in peace, my friend.”
Mixed Reports Surrounded Hogan’s Health In The Days Leading Up To His Death
Hogan's official cause of death comes after conflicting reports about Hulk Hogan’s health left fans uncertain.
Speculation first surged last month after reports claimed Hogan was “on his deathbed” following complications from a recent neck surgery. At the time, his representatives told E! News there was “no reason to panic,” attempting to reassure fans. His wife, Sky Daily, also stepped in to shut down the rumors, publicly denying claims that he was in a coma and insisting his heart was “strong.”
In a particularly bittersweet twist, Hogan’s longtime friend and former on-screen manager Jimmy Hart posted an upbeat update just two days before his death, attempting to put fan worries to rest.
“Hulk is doing great, doing phenomenal!” Hart wrote. “Last night at karaoke with Nick was absolutely fantastic, baby!!!”
A Look Back At Hulk Hogan's Legacy
For millions of fans, Hogan wasn’t just a wrestler, he was the wrestler. Bursting onto the scene in the 1980s with his signature red-and-yellow gear and unforgettable catchphrases, Hogan headlined the very first WrestleMania in 1985 and quickly became the face of WWE’s golden era.
From body-slamming André the Giant to sharing the ring with The Rock and even WWE chairman Vince McMahon, Hogan’s star power helped shape the company and the industry into the powerhouse it is today.
